Reindeer live in some of the coldest places on Earth, yet they thrive where other animals freeze. Ideally, nature designed these sturdy animals to survive the harsh conditions of the Arctic Tundra. Furthermore, they share a deep connection with humans, serving as livestock for indigenous peoples for centuries. Consequently, they possess biological superpowers that go far beyond pulling a sleigh. Explore these intriguing details about the caribou of the north.
Reindeer
Amazingly, their eyes change color with the seasons. In summer, their eyes appear gold to handle the constant sunlight. However, they turn deep blue in winter to capture more light. This adaptation allows them to see clearly during the long, dark polar night.
Distinctively, their knees make a loud clicking sound. As they walk, a tendon snaps over the bone. Cleverly, this noise helps the herd stay together in whiteout blizzards. Thus, they can hear each other even when they cannot see each other.
Uniquely, both males and females grow antlers. In most other deer species, only the males develop these bony structures. However, female reindeer use their antlers to defend food patches from others during pregnancy.
Logically, Santa’s reindeer are likely all female. Male reindeer drop their antlers in early winter after the mating season. Conversely, females keep theirs until spring. Since Santa’s team has antlers in December, they must be girls.
Impressively, they can see ultraviolet light. While humans see only white snow, reindeer perceive a high-contrast world. Consequently, they can easily spot white fur against the snow. This vision helps them avoid predators and find lichens to eat.
Biologically, their noses warm the air before they breathe it. Complex blood vessels inside their nostrils heat the freezing air rapidly. Therefore, the air reaches their lungs at a safe temperature. Also, this system prevents them from losing body heat when they exhale.
Efficiently, they eat a special type of lichen. Often called “reindeer moss,” this organism provides them with carbohydrates in winter. Uniquely, they possess a special enzyme in their gut. This allows them to digest this tough food source that other animals cannot eat.
Seasonally, their hooves change shape completely. In summer, the pads become spongey to grip the wet tundra. Alternatively, the pads shrink in winter to expose a sharp hoof rim. This hard edge cuts into the ice to provide traction.
Historically, they travel further than any other land mammal. Some North American populations migrate over 3,000 miles every year. They move constantly to find fresh grazing grounds. Thus, they spend most of their lives on the move.
Naturally, their hair provides incredible insulation. Each strand of their outer coat is hollow and filled with air. This traps body heat effectively against their skin. Furthermore, it makes them buoyant, so they float easily while swimming.
Culturally, the Sami people herd them for a living. In northern Scandinavia, indigenous herders have raised reindeer for centuries. They use every part of the animal for food, clothing, and tools. Therefore, the animal remains central to their entire way of life.
Surprisingly, they are the same species as caribou. In North America, people call wild populations caribou. Meanwhile, Europeans use the term reindeer for both wild and domesticated herds. Genetically, they are exactly the same animal.
Generally, they run incredibly fast. A reindeer can reach speeds of up to 50 miles per hour if a predator chases it. Even a day-old calf can outrun a human sprinter. This speed serves as their primary defense against wolves and bears.
Nutritiously, their milk contains high levels of fat. Reindeer milk boasts a fat content of about 22 percent. Comparatively, cow milk contains only about four percent. This rich diet helps calves grow rapidly during the short Arctic summer.
Finally, they sleep while they chew their cud. Researchers found that their brain waves during cud-chewing resemble non-REM sleep. Effectively, this allows them to rest and eat simultaneously. This multitasking ability is vital during the endless summer days.
